Football Tragedy struck Bombali Sebora as Technican dies of Hypertension after 2-1 defeat to harsh rivals EM-Foundation

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

Reigning Champions of the North-East Region Men’s Super-10 in Sierra Leone, Bombali Sebora Football Club and the rest of the football family in the sports loving nation are mourning the sudden demise of the Makeni based club’s Head coach David Paul Jr. who passed on this evening in Kenema.

Medical report from the Kenema Government Hospital indicates that the Librarian Born technician died of hypertension.

His death occurred few minutes after his team lost their opening game 2-1 to Edmond Michael Foundation from Bo in the Men’s National playoff.

The results reviewed a similar bitter old memory that saw the same opponent’s battered the 2012 top-tier dreams of the highflying Bombali District based club  following their 2-1 triumph that season in the national men’s playoffs which doubles similarly as the qualifier to the nation’s elite league letting them to commence fresh long walk since until 2022 when they also reached their current stage.

The former who has also guided Liberian based clubs Freeport and Watanga FC, joined Bombali Sebora FC as Head Coach in 2014 winning notable titles including the Royal Family Trophy and the 2022 Super-10 Maiden Edition with a whooping 45 points losing only once in 17 League games played in the championship which sees his team through to compete in the ongoing National playoffs for one of the three available spots for next season’s Top-tier.

The calm, God fearing accommodating and result oriented technician earned his B-License Badge from CAF three years ago, and earlier this month told Awoko Newspaper he’s confident his team will qualify for the 2023 Sierra Leone Premier League but maintained his side “will not underrate any of their opponents.”

Following the announcement of his death by Mohamed “Balo” Turay, the club’s Public Relations Officer, Head of Media and Marketing Officer. Tributes and condolences from supporters, past and present players and officials of the club, journalists among other sports enthusiasts in the nation’s football family and beyond have been pouring on and off the Internet via social media, radio and word of mouth.

“It is abrupt to tell that our Head Coach has passed away suddenly. The Bombali Sebora Football team was shocked to learn of the abrupt passing, we still can't believe you left us. We have lost a great football philosopher and leader, you will be missed forever. The ideal solution is something only God can provide. Peace be with you,” the club posted on Facebook.

He is yet to be buried and the  clubs PRO says his remains are still at the Government Hospital in Kenema while funeral arrangements will be announced later.